It’s that time of year, Advent; time to begin making out our lists for family, friends, and even ourselves. The cards, the presents, the food – nothing is to be overlooked. However, we must also be sure not to get lost in the festivities of the season.
In looking for ways to prepare to commemorate our Lord’s entry into the world (and anticipate His Second Coming), I viewed the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website and located their prayer calendar. This is a wonderful source for families as they prayerfully reflect upon this time of year.
As Catholics, we are always aware of what is true, good, and beautiful within our Church. In addition, we are called to engage in the unique opportunities to grow through Her wisdom.
Taking the time to reflect upon each day during the Advent Season, whether contemplating the various feast days and celebrations leading up to the Feast of The Nativity (e.g. Immaculate Conception, St. Nicholas, St. Juan Diego, and Our Lady of Guadalupe), or sharing a Christmas tree blessing with one’s family on December 17, Advent has something to offer everyone. On a side note, December 17th will also mark the 80th birthday of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.
During this time, Advent calendars become prominent within many Catholic homes, as do Advent wreaths with candles to light our path during this journey as a community of faith. The opportunities for families to spend time together gathered in prayer are just as meaningful (if not more) than the other traditions we often participate in during this time – picking out the Christmas tree, making cookies, decorating our homes, etc…
However, other ways to engage in the spirit of Advent are through reflection and service. People are genuinely more charitable during this time of year. (Of course, charity should not cease following Advent.) Nevertheless, it suffices to say that many feel a deeper sense of gratitude for what they have, and are more willing to share of their time, talent, and treasure. Perhaps this is due to the anticipation of Christ’s coming and our willingness to be worthy recipients of this gift. It is almost instinctual how we become more generous. We begin to anticipate the experience of joy at helping another, and this becomes contagious.
Our Lord sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, into a suffering world to bring healing, comfort, hope, and mercy. The scripture verses we listen to at Mass each Sunday throughout Advent help instill within in us a message of this hope that we cannot keep to ourselves. We are called to combine His Word with action.
The First Sunday of Advent
In the First Sunday of Advent, the theme of peace resonated throughout the readings, beginning with Isaiah:
They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. (Isaiah 2:4)
This was followed by Psalm 122, “Because of my brothers and friends I will say, Peace be within you!” This theme was expressed in the Second Reading from Romans, as it called us to put on the “armor of light,” and practice peaceful dispositions by remaining free of drunkenness, lust, rivalry, and jealousy. (Romans 13:11-14)
Finally, Jesus warns us to be ready and to “stay awake”:
Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. (Matthew 24:42-44)
These words pierce right to the core of our souls and warn that we run the risk of becoming victims of our own ignorance if we assume we can control our own destinies. The element of peace must be constantly practiced, nurtured, and mastered.
The Second Sunday of Advent
The following Sunday of Advent continued to echo this message of peace. However, it also incorporated justice and mercy into the process. This began with Isaiah’s unique associations among distinct creatures in moments of calmness, gentleness, and order (e.g. “…the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb…,” and “The baby shall play by the cobra’s den…”).
Psalm 72 represented the attributes of justice and peace throughout the refrain, and the Second Reading from Romans provided unceasing support with the words, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5)
In the Gospel, we found St. John the Baptist uttering some harsh words towards Pharisees and Sadducees, saying to them, “You brood of vipers!” and foretelling them about the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Are you worthy to receive Him? John’s condemnation towards these groups is matched by his extraordinary level of humility towards himself, and is nothing short of authentic.
The Third Sunday of Advent
As the Season of Advent entered into its Third week, we began with Gaudete Sunday. This moment called us to anticipate, more eagerly, the reality we are about to celebrate. As our son mentioned to my wife recently while decorating our tree, “Christmas is more than just presents.” Gaudete Sunday put the upcoming Feast of the Nativity into its proper perspective and the scripture passages for the day show it.
The First Reading, again from Isaiah (35), called us to be steadfast and strong as we await the coming of the Lord of “vindication.” The Responsorial Psalm (146) spoke of salvation, and the Second Reading (James 5:7-10), patience and firmness. Our Gospel of Matthew revealed the works and miracles of the Lord.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Fourth and final Sunday of Advent is the culmination of the true sense of peace and joy that is the coming of Christ. These readings reveal the miraculous glory, which we have all been called to be ambassadors of throughout our personal efforts during Advent. It is reflective of our willingness to participate in this journey leading up to Christmas day (and beyond) and it should only continue to gain momentum as we embark on a New Year.
May the blessings of Advent grow stronger within each of us as we prepare the way for our Lord, Savior, and Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ.
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